Cricket: India unlikely to risk Sharma

Indian bowler Ishant Sharma is unlikely to play in today's opening one-dayer. Photo / Getty Images

nzherald.co.nz has live scoring of the first one-dayer between the Black Caps and India from 2pm today.

A shoulder injury is likely to sideline Indian pace bowler Ishant Sharma from today's opening one-day international against the Black Caps in Napier.

Sharma fell awkwardly in Friday's second Twenty20 international in Wellington.

New Zealand captain Daniel Vettori says it will make his side's job much easier. Vettori says he has quickly turned into one of the best bowlers in the world, given he came into top level cricket less than two years ago.

If Sharma is unfit, Praveen Kumar or Munaf Patel will play in his place.

Getting after the Indian pace attack is something the Black Caps have been working on at length. Vettori says at some stage they will have to step up and hit one of the quicks for 50-60 runs off their 10 overs as they can not afford to let three pace bowlers go for 30 runs apiece.

Indian captain MS Dhoni says they will not take unnecessary risks with Sharma and have him aggravate the injury. Dhoni says it is not a concern as it is something they have dealt with before and he doubts his team has been weakened by the loss of the 20-year-old.

Jacob Oram has been cleared to bowl for the Black Caps after playing as a batsman only in the two Twenty20 internationals.

The match is scheduled to start at 2pm but showers are forecast for Napier.

- NEWSTALK ZB